After 75 Years, USS Grayback & Its Crew Are Finally Found

The discovery of the USS Grayback in June 2019 solved a 75-year-old mystery, bringing closure to the families of 80 American sailors who vanished during World War II.

Once a legendary submarine credited with sinking 14 enemy ships, the Grayback’s story of heroism, loss, and rediscovery stands as a powerful testament to courage and perseverance—both in wartime and in the search to find it.

USS Grayback’s History & Service

After 75 Years, USS Grayback & Its Crew Are Finally Found » Moore J A 208a wc
Image Credit: Navy Photograph, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The USS Grayback, a powerful Tambor-class submarine, was commissioned on June 30, 1941, and played a critical role in World War II. Over 10 war patrols, it sank 14 enemy ships, totaling an astounding 63,835 tons, cementing its reputation as a formidable force.

Led by Lieutenant Commander John Anderson Moore, the Grayback became one of the war’s most successful submarines. Its brave crew and remarkable achievements stand as a testament to their skill and courage.

The Final Mission

After 75 Years, USS Grayback & Its Crew Are Finally Found » USS Grayback SS 208 War Diary wc
Image Credit: U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

So, what happened during the Grayback’s final, fateful mission? 

The last reported position of the Grayback came on February 24, 1944. After that, the submarine’s fate became a mystery that would endure for 75 years. However, we now know that the Grayback’s final acts were as heroic as its entire service.

On February 27, the submarine is believed to have sunk the Japanese transport Ceylon Maru. But this victory came at a terrible cost. On the same day, the Grayback was attacked by Japanese carrier-based aircraft. According to Japanese records, the submarine “exploded and sank immediately.”

The Search & Discovery Process

After 75 Years, USS Grayback & Its Crew Are Finally Found » Autonomous Underwater Vehicle wc
Image Credit: Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Eggert, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Finding a submarine lost for 75 years is no easy task. It requires cutting-edge technology, expert knowledge, and a good dose of perseverance. 

The team used Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to scour the ocean floor. They also employed advanced photogrammetry imaging to create detailed 3D models of their findings.

The Breakthrough

After 75 Years, USS Grayback & Its Crew Are Finally Found » Sonar scan of string anchors in ORCA wc
Image Credit: edewolf, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

But technology alone wasn’t enough. The breakthrough came through collaboration with Japanese historian Yutaka Iwasaki. His re-translation of original Japanese documents revealed the crucial error in coordinates that had thrown off previous search efforts.

In a twist that seems straight out of a movie, the Grayback was discovered on the final line of sonar data. Talk about a last-minute save! This discovery highlights the importance of persistence in the face of challenges.

Impact on Families & Veterans

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Image Credit: Sheariner at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For the descendants of the Grayback’s crew, this discovery is more than just a historical footnote. It’s a source of emotional closure after 75 years of uncertainty. Many family members never knew what happened to their loved ones who sailed away on that February day in 1944.

The find has also sparked renewed interest in submarine service during WWII. It’s a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many young men in service of their country.

What Happens Next

After 75 Years, USS Grayback & Its Crew Are Finally Found » Grayback SS208 Port side wc
Image Credit: National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Plans are underway for commemorative events and memorials to honor the Grayback and its crew. (ref) These will serve as lasting tributes to their bravery and sacrifice.

The discovery of the USS Grayback after 75 years is more than just a fascinating historical find. It’s a story of perseverance, both in the submarine’s wartime service and in the decades-long search to find it.

It’s a testament to the advances in technology that allow us to unlock the secrets of the deep. Most importantly, it’s a long-overdue homecoming for 80 American heroes.

Source:
1. ABC News

Nancy Maffia » nancy
Nancy Maffia
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.